Review - BMW XM

With its futuristic styling and high-tech powertrain, the XM gives us a taste of what’s to come from BMW in the future as the company moves to an increasingly electrified power mix for its SUVs.

Just how good is the all-new BMW XM, then, how attractive is the company’s vision for SUVs in the future, and how does it stack up against its rivals? Let’s find out.

BMW XM Competition

Starting Price: $302,200

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW XM is priced at $302,200 here in Australia, which does not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

BMW XM (M xDRIVE PHEV) Specifications

What Features Does the BMW XM Have?

The BMW XM comes riding on a set of 22-inch alloys and receives LED head & tail lights, adaptive suspension with active roll control, an M Sport exhaust & differential, four-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, Merino leather upholstery with heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, carbon fibre highlights and ambient lighting.

There’s also adaptive cruise control as standard, as well as a 3D surround-view camera, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad and a 14.9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, which is paired a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound system.

BMW XM Range Features:

• 22-inch alloys

• LED head & tail lights

• Adaptive suspension with active roll control

• M sport differential and sports exhaust

• Merino leather upholstery with carbon fibre highlights 

• Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats 

• Ambient lighting 

• Adaptive cruise control

• 3D surround-view camera 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 14.9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system

Is the BMW XM Fun & Comfortable to Drive?

The BMW XM comes powered by one of the most high-tech plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines you’ll find anywhere in the BWM stables.

It pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 lurking under the bonnet with an electric motor producing a combined 480kW of power and 800Nm of torque, which are absolutely immense power figures for a family-friendly SUV.

With the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’x xDrive all-wheel drive system, the XM can sprint to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the planet.

“German muscle monster - big price, big performance,” Dan, OnlineAuto vehicle specialist.

BMW says that power from the XM’s 25.7kWh battery offers up to 88km of all-electric driving, which means the XM can cruise along happily and completely silently, with the V8 cranking into life when needed, though the active exhaust system helps to keep it well-mannered when needed.

As a city runaround, the XM retains a lightweight steering rack that makes it easy to park and manoeuvre, while acceleration off the line is completely effortless thanks to the bucketload of power and instant torque from the electric motor.

One of the downsides of BMW’s sporty setup for the XM is that it’s prone to bumping on even moderate road surfaces, with the sports suspension struggling to cushion the heavy platform.

Having said that, you’ll be quick to forgive the XM’s firm ride quality when you experience just how impressive it is on a mix of town and long-distance highway driving, giving us a very promising sign of what’s to come from future hybrid SUVs from BMW.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

BMW says official fuel economy figures for the XM stand at 2.7L/100km on a combined cycle, so long as the battery is charged and can provide extra assistance to the twin-turbo V8, as well as helping to recharge the battery thanks to its plug-in hybrid tech.

The XM’s 27.5kWh lithium-ion battery offers all-electric driving figures of between 82-88km, making the XM reasonably efficient, so long as the onboard battery pack is charged and the V8 isn’t doing all the heavy lifting.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Stepping inside the XM is a treat for the senses, with BMW taking its interior design and packaging particularly seriously due to its position as the company’s flagship SUV.

The end result is nothing short of jaw-dropping, with almost every single millimetre of the XM’s interior picking up a luxurious material or striking design element that makes you feel like you’re piloting a futuristic spaceship rather than a family-friendly SUV.

The driver and front passenger are separated by a bulky centre console offering a retractable storage area behind the gear lever, large door bins and storage inside the split-folding arm rest; all of which picks up either carbon fibre or leather upholstery.

“Modern, sleek and amazing look and finish, but as we know, everything good comes at a price,” Arnaud, OnlineAuto vehicle specialist.

The driver picks up an M Sport steering wheel with red paddles for the adjustable drive modes, with absolutely no issues in terms of headroom and adjustability of the driving position.

Move to the rear and you’ll find things get even more spacious, with BMW opting for a five-seat, rather than a seven-seat layout in the XM, even though there would have been just enough space for a third-row.

The move to prioritise a comfortable, ultra-spacious cabin for five has resulted in a first-class seating experience for everyone in the cabin, complemented by the unique headliner design.

Those seated in the rear have two dedicated zones of climate control, heated seats, USB chargers and a folding arm rest with cup holders and some added storage, and of course, a pair of the most comfortable seats you’ll find in any SUV package.

Finally, the XM offers a boot measuring in at 520L, which isn’t outstanding for the segment, though cargo space does increase to 1820L with the second-row folded-flat for large, bulky cargo and sports equipment.

Is it Safe?

The BMW XM is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, though it comes extremely well-equipped with active safety features to help reassure buyers of its safety credentials.

As standard, the XM picks up autonomous emergency braking, an adaptive cruise control system, steering and lane control assistance, a 3D surround-view monitor and automatic speed limit assistance.

Our Verdict: Is The XM Worth it?

As a statement piece, the XM is a bold and very promising sign of what’s to come from future plug-in hybrid SUVs from BMW.

Having said that, the first-gen XM’s lofty pricing and firm ride quality means that other top-end BMW SUV models are perhaps better suited to the needs of families now, at a much more reasonable price.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five BMW XM Specs You Need to Know

1. V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 480kW/800Nm

2. 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds 

3. 88km of all-electric driving from 25.7kWh battery 

4. 2.7L/100km combined cycle fuel economy 

5. 520L boot space